SR1435 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1435 LRB101 22289 ECR 73331 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Vernon "Vern" E. Staelens of Moline, who passed away on September 13, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Vern Staelens was born to Frank and Gerada (DeGetter) Staelens in Moline on April 4, 1929; he was a first team Northwest Conference Football selection, named to the All State Illinois High School Football Team, and qualified for the Illinois State track meet in the district; he was the first sophomore at Rock Island High School to play varsity football and basketball and played guard for the undefeated football team in 1944; he married Anna Mae "Annie" Manuel Mugerdichian in Rock Island on August 31, 1968; he was a U.S. Army veteran who served in WWII; after returning from service, he played football for the semi-pro team the Quad City Mohawks; and

WHEREAS, Vern Staelens retired as a crew leader at Iowa Illinois Gas and Electric Company in Rock Island after 36 years; and

WHEREAS, Vern Staelens was a member of the East End Club and a former member of Davenport Elks 298 and Vikings Club; he was a 32 Degree Mason of Doric Lodge 319 in Moline; and

WHEREAS, Vern Staelens played softball for Parker's Tap, Montgomery Elevator, Lou Reedy's, and Colman Florist; he loved golfing, fishing, cooking, gardening, and collecting hats, with 2000 hats in his collection; and

WHEREAS, Vern Staelens was preceded in death by his daughter, Vicki Hockaday; and

WHEREAS, Vern Staelens is survived by his wife; his daughters, Cindi Tsaboukos and Kimberly Halsey, A.P., D.O.M. (Thomas Chapman); and his six grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Vernon "Vern" E. Staelens and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Vern Staelens as an expression of our deepest sympathy.